Kate Upton confronted by animal rights activists after backlash over Canada Goose partnership
Model previously faced backlash for her promotion of clothing brand Canada Goose
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Your support makes all the difference.Kate Upton was targeted by animal rights activists while leading a fitness class in New York on Wednesday.
During the incident the protesters entered one of the model’s Strong4Me Fitness classes carrying signs and shouting about animal abuse.
In the footage, which was shared by TMZ, a protester wearing a “vegan” cap makes his way to the front of the class holding a placard that reads: “Kate Upton animal abuser.”
“Shame on you. Canada Goose has blood on their hands. Kate Upton has blood on her hands,” he says, as the other protesters repeat his words.
Last month, Upton faced backlash after announcing her partnership with outerwear clothing retailer Canada Goose, which has previously been accused of animal cruelty by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).
Peta says on its website: "What many people don’t realise about these garments is that the retailer subjects defenceless animals to an agonising death in order to produce their fur trims and down-feather fillers." Canada Goose denies animals are subject to "undue suffering".
As Upton stood at the front of the class, remaining composed, the protester continued, stating: “Coyotes are shot in the head and they’re strangled to death. You provoke that. What is the matter with you?
“You’re an influencer. You should be promoting kindness, and yet you promote violence. Shame on you, you murderer.”
On the Canada Goose website, the retailer states that it believes “all animals are entitled to humane treatment in life and death”, adding that the company is “deeply committed to the ethical sourcing and responsible use of all animal materials” in its products.
“We do not condone any willful mistreatment, neglect, or acts that maliciously cause animals undue suffering,” the brand outlines.
Canada Goose claims the use of animal products is a necessity rather than a luxury in its hard-wearing coats, which are designed to stand up to extremely tough conditions.
Last month, Upton shared a post on Instagram marking World Kindness Day, in which she praised Canada Goose and Polar Bears International for their efforts in making “this world a better place”.
“It’s so important to be kind to the world around us not just today, but every day.
"I’m proud to partner with Canada Goose and PBI to help raise awareness and ensure a future for Polar Bears,” she wrote in the caption.
This is not the first time Upton has faced a backlash for supporting the brand. In 2013, the model posed in a Canada Goose jacket for the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition.
In March 2017, when Canada Goose was floated on the stock market, Peta said it wanted to be first in line to snap up enough shares, so that it could be admitted to Canada Goose’s shareholder meetings.
The Independent has contacted representatives of Upton and Canada Goose for comment.
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